Florida Police Chief Alleged His Deputy Died Of Coronavirus Because He Was Gay
Davie, Florida Police Chief Dale Engle is now on administrative leave after he alleged that his deputy died of coronavirus because he was gay.
Engle’s dismissal arrives after his officers filed a union complaint about him having them stand in formation to berate them and dismiss their protection and safety concerns following the death of Deputy Shannon Bennett.
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According to the complaint filed by the Florida State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police (FLFOP), Engle blamed the death of openly gay Broward County Deputy Sheriff Bennett on a “backstory,” claiming he died because he was a “homosexual who attended homosexual events.” He also implied that the 12-year Sheriff’s office veteran had “a serious underlying disease which aggravated the COVID-19 virus.”
Subsequent to his controversial remarks, Engle emailed the staff shortly after, claiming his “intent was to provide as much information to personnel as possible.” He adds, “If my comments were taken out of context, they were not intended to be derogatory.”
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Following his dismissal, Davie Town Administrator Richard J. Lemack stated that the Chief was on administrative leave “pending further review of allegations,” and that the alleged incident will be investigated “by outside counsel.”
The Broward Sheriff’s Office also took to Twitter to share their condolences to their beloved, veteran deputy.
It is with a sad and heavy heart that we announce the passing of Deputy Shannon Bennett due to COVID-19.
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Deputy Bennett served BSO for more than 12 years and was a fine deputy and individual. (1/2) #TeamBSO pic.twitter.com/ywl32BAiAz— Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) April 4, 2020